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Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad

Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad

  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant Italian-inspired dish combining tender cheese tortellini, crispy smoked turkey bacon, creamy shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and a medley of crisp vegetables. Ideal for quick lunches, potlucks, or summer picnics, this salad balances smoky, tangy, and herby flavors with colorful and nutritious ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is easily customizable and tastes even better chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, then set aside to drain completely.
  2. Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While tortellini cooks, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned and crunchy, drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh basil to add crunch and vibrant color.
  4. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified to enhance the salad’s flavors.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooked tortellini, smoked turkey bacon pieces, chopped vegetables, and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use cold, well-drained tortellini to prevent oily or watery dressing.
  • Start with less dressing and add more if necessary to keep the salad light and balanced.
  • Fresh herbs such as basil provide the best aroma and authentic flavor.
  • This salad tastes best when served chilled.
  • Leftovers keep fresh up to 3 days refrigerated; avoid freezing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Tuscan tortellini salad, pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, vegetarian pasta salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://tastysoulkitchen.com/tuscan-tortellini-pasta-salad/